Please remember to check the mediator mailboxes from time to time. In particular, if you are expecting a reimbursement for something, the paperwork you need to sign will be placed in the mailboxes.

 

The tentative CME Luncheon schedule for the next “season” (September 2005 through May 2006) is as follows:

 

           •          September 23, 2005

           •          October 28, 2005

           •          November 18, 2005

           •          January 27, 2006

           •          February 24, 2006

           •          March 24, 2006

           •          April 28, 2006

           •          May 26, 2006

We will try to consistently schedule the CME luncheons on the fourth Friday of the month unless the fourth Friday is a holiday. We do not intend to change these dates, but occasionally conflicts arise and a date may have to be shifted. Please note also that the Holiday Appreciation Luncheon is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, December 14, 2005.

New Scheduling Procedure

As all of you have undoubtedly noticed, we have cut down on the number of mediators placed on the schedule each week. If you previously came every week, you can expect to be on the schedule at least two times each month. If you only request one or two weeks, you can expect to be scheduled for each week you request. If we do not get a definitive schedule from you by the last Wednesday of the month for the following month, we will assume you are available every Friday and will schedule you on the dates with the greatest need. If you previously came each week to mediate, and want to continue to come every week, please feel free to do so. Understand, however, that you will be given last priority for case assignments if you come to mediate on a date for which you are not on the schedule. And, of course, everyone is welcome to attend the CME Luncheons whether or not you are on the mediation schedule. Please let us know how the new scheduling system is working (or not working) as well as any suggestions for improvement.

Shhh!

Please remember to keep your voices down in the courtroom. Sound really travels! In addition to minimizing conversation among yourselves, please refrain from conversing with litigants until you are outside of the courtroom and away from the door. Conversations in the courtroom while the judge is conducting business are extremely distracting. Finally, and, most importantly, do not discuss cases that you have mediated in the public areas of the courthouse. You never know who can hear you or who is listening. Even if you talk in general terms about a case you did months ago, the perception of the public overhearing the discussion is that their personal business will become courthouse gossip. This is not the image we wish to project.

Holiday Calendar

Please note the following court holidays for the remainder of 2005 and beginning of 2006.

Robin Davis, ADR Director Phone: 352-491-4417 Fax: 352-381-0109 E-Mail: rkd@circuit8.org

Janet Hearn, Mediation Services Coordinator Phone: 352-491-4645                               Fax: 352-381-0109 E-Mail: jkh@circuit8.org

If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in county mediation proceedings you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the Court Administrator’s Office by phone at (352) 337-6237 or in person or in writing at 201 E. University Ave, Gainesville FL 32601 within 2 working days of your receipt of this newsletter; if you are hearing impaired, call (800) 955-8771; if you are voice impaired, call (800) 955-8770.

County	Cases Mediated	Written Agreements Reached	Percent Written Agreements	Pending Continued Cases	Continued Cases Defaulted
Alachua	119	73	61%	0	1
Baker	9	3	38%	1	0
Bradford	9	7	78%	0	0
Gilchrist	1	0	0%	0	0
Levy	4	0	0%	0	0
Union	4	4	100%	0	0
Total	146	87	60%	1	1

County	Cases Mediated	Written Agreements Reached	Percent Written Agreements	Pending Continued Cases	Continued Cases Defaulted
Alachua	217	134	64%	6	2
Baker	17	9	56%	1	0
Bradford	15	12	80%	0	0
Gilchrist	1	0	0%	0	0
Levy	8	2	25%	0	0
Union	6	6	100%	0	0
Total	264	163	63%	7	2